One of the horror genre's "most widely read critics" (Rue Morgue # 68), "an accomplished film journalist" (Comic Buyer's Guide #1535), and the award-winning author of Horror Films of the 1980s (2007), The Rock and Roll Film Encyclopedia (2007) and Horror Films of the 1970s (2002), John Kenneth Muir, presents his blog on film, television and nostalgia, named one of the Top 100 Film Studies Blog on the Net.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

When I was a kid in the 1970s I was fascinated by all things having to do with Space:1999's trademark Eagle spacecraft. I had a model kit of the ship from Airfix, a huge toy of the Eagle (from Mattel) and more.

And in 1976, ATV licensed "Crafts by Whiting" (a Milton Bradley Company) to create another variation on the famous Brian Johnson design: a so-called "mammoth model" for ages 10 to 16.

On the side of the mammoth model box, intrepid young modelers were reminded "It's as easy as one, two, three." First "position cut and glue straw parts over pattern sheet." Then "press out and assemble die-cut printed cardboard pieces." And finally "combine straw structures and die cut assemblies to complete spacecraft."

Today, I own one of these Mammoth Model Space: 1999 Eagle Transporter in its box, but have never, ever attempted to build it. The directions say easy as one-two-three, but I just don't believe them. Looking at the un-assembled kit, it looks like the most complex thing imaginable. I'm afraid I would just ruin it.

So for now, and the future, I'm just going to enjoy the box art of this unique Eagle Transporter "Mammoth Model," and remember that I have an un-built Eagle at the ready should the fancy ever strike...

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About John

award-winning author of 27 books including Horror Films FAQ (2013), Horror Films of the 1990s (2011), Horror Films of the 1980s (2007), TV Year (2007), The Rock and Roll Film Encyclopedia (2007), Mercy in Her Eyes: The Films of Mira Nair (2006),, Best in Show: The Films of Christopher Guest and Company (2004), The Unseen Force: The Films of Sam Raimi (2004), An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith (2002), The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film & Television (2004), Exploring Space:1999 (1997), An Analytical Guide to TV's Battlestar Galactica (1998), Terror Television (2001), Space:1999 - The Forsaken (2003) and Horror Films of the 1970s (2002).

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What the Critics Say...

"...some of the best writing about the genre has been done by John Kenneth Muir. I am particularly grateful to him for the time and attention he's paid to things others have overlooked, under-appreciated and often written off. His is a fan's perspective first, but with a critic's eye to theme and underscore, to influence and pastiche..." - Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files, in the foreword to Horror Films FAQ (October 2013).

"Hands down, John Kenneth Muir is one of the finest critics and writers working today. His deep analysis of contemporary American culture is always illuminating and insightful. John's film writing and criticism is outstanding and a great place to start for any budding writer, but one should also examine his work on comic books, TV, and music. His weighty catalog of books and essays combined with his significant blog production places him at the top of pop culture writers. Johns work is essential in understanding the centrality of culture in modern society." - Professor Bob Batchelor, cultural historian and Executive Director of the James Pedas Communication Center at Thiel College (2014).

"...an independent film scholar, [Muir] explains film studies concepts in a language that is reader-friendly and engaging..." (The Hindu, 2007)"...Muir's genius lies in his giving context to the films..." (Choice, 2007)